Athanasia

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This historical investigation explores the issue of immortality and eschatology in Greek philosophy, spanning from the Presocratics to the early Hellenistic period. It delves into the psychological perspectives of Greek philosophers regarding the potential for infinite human existence after death. The author argues that eschatology was generally of secondary importance to these thinkers. Initially, it held significance at the dawn of Greek philosophy as a new anthropology emerged, influenced by three main forces: mystery religions, the Orphics, and the Pythagoreans. Following this period, there was a long stretch of disinterest in eschatology, with Empedocles as a possible exception. The focus shifted back to psychology, as highlighted by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who revisited the eschatological questions. The book emphasizes the evolution of thought regarding the soul and the afterlife, illustrating how the importance of these themes fluctuated over time within Greek philosophical discourse.